Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Barley and Vegetable Herb Soup

You know how so many health and nutrition article suggests that all of us should eat all colors of fruits and vegetables each day. Well this is easier said than done, it is definitely not easy to include veggies and fruits of all colors each day....each week maybe... but each day......not so much. Having said that, just knowing that we need to get all colors of vegetables in our diet motivates me to at the very least try and get a good variety of vegetables and fruits in my diet each day. Soups play an important role in my kitchen as a means to getting in as many veggies as possible in one serving.

This barley and vegetable soup of mine is something I came up with in an attempt to try and create a soup that was balanced in the sense that it included veggies, some protein and at least one grain. Since I was looking to give the soup some unusual flavors (at least they are unusual for me ) I went with dried herbs like mint and fenugreek leaves for flavoring. I also spiced it with a mixture of freshly roasted and ground coriander and cumin seeds and added a touch of tartness with some dry mango powder. Since I gave this soup flavors from Indian cuisine , I also served it with oat pav (a healthier variation of rustic Indian bread ) to complete the meal.

Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds and dry whole red chillies in a heavy bottomed pan until the mixture starts giving out a pleasant aroma. Alternatively place all the spices in a microwave safe plate and place in a microwave. On a lower power level, heat for a minute or a minute and a half until the spices are slightly warm and give out a fragrance.

Cool to room temperature and grind in a spice grinder until the mixture turns to a fine powder.

In a heavy bottomed pan place the soaked and drained moong beans, fine barley and sufficient water and place pan on high heat. When the water begins to boil,lower heat and allow the beans and barley to simmer for about 15 to 20 mins.

When the beans and barley are softer, add dried fenugreek leaves, dried mint leaves and all the vegetables. Let this mixture simmer for a little while on a medium to medium high heat.

When the vegetables are nearly cooked, add the ground spice mixture, salt to taste and adjust water to achieve required consistency.Let this mixture simmer for another 5 to 10 mins for the flavors to assimilate.

Usha,well truly a complete meal I agree too..Adding mint and fenugreek is a variation.But what made me wonder is the addition of that amchoor powder..Ha,Its more than a tradiotional soup..Almost all the tastes the buds can have..I truly admire your kitchen..A healthy bowl..!!

Oh my!! I made carrot barley soup flavoured with mint to send for this same event.Actually the idea of Barley came from your aval tomato dosas.I save the cooked barley every day after drinking up the water and add in salads. I will take your tip of using more herbs now.

Lovely soup Usha! Indeed a nice way of combining a variety of veggies! I hear you on the veggies...I too find it impossible to vary daily.I guess the best we can do is vary as much as possible from day to day..and of course dishes like these that do a great job to our nutrition! :) Mia

Mmmmmmm, looks good and sounds so nutritious...love your recipes Usha, they turn out great and are so healthy...I am planning to make your cumin crackers again and the mollaga pudi...Will also be trying parrapu podi soon...My husband who loves mollaga podi from MTR liked your version better and has asked for another batch of it :)

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Dedication

This blog is dedicated to three wonderful women in my life who inspire me to give my best to creating the most tasty and healthy dishes.

My mother and my grandmother,two very gifted individuals who not only created magic in their kitchens from the most ordinary ingredients but also created magic in our lives with their love,generosity,spirit and laughter.I cherish the memories of my time with each of them

And my mother in law who with her wonderful smile,resourceful nature and patience continues to guide me,inspire me and makes my time spent with her in the kitchen and out of it, fun.